A His-tag based immobilization method for the preparation and reconstitution of apoflavoproteins

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2003 Jan 20;1619(2):139-43. doi: 10.1016/s0304-4165(02)00474-9.

Abstract

The NifL PAS domain from Azotobacter vinelandii is a flavoprotein with FAD as the prosthetic group. Here we describe a novel immobilization procedure for the large-scale preparation of apo NifL PAS domain and its efficient reconstitution with either 2,4a-13C-FAD or 2,4a-13C-FMN. In this procedure, the His-tagged holoprotein is bound to an immobilized metal affinity column and the flavin is released by washing the column with buffer containing 2 M KBr and 2 M urea. The apoprotein is reconstituted on-column with the (artificial) flavin cofactor, and then eluted with buffer containing 250 mM imidazole. Alternatively, the immobilized apoprotein can be released from the column matrix before reconstitution. The His-tag based immobilization method of preparing reconstituted (or apo) NifL PAS domain protein has the advantage that it combines a protein affinity chromatography technique with limited protein loss, resulting in a high protein yield with extremely efficient flavin reconstitution. This on-column reconstitution method can also be used in cases where the apoprotein is unstable. Therefore, it may develop as a universal method for replacement of flavin or other cofactors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoproteins / chemistry
  • Azotobacter vinelandii / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry*
  • Chromatography, Affinity / methods*
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Flavin Mononucleotide / chemistry
  • Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide / chemistry
  • Flavoproteins / biosynthesis
  • Flavoproteins / chemistry*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • Apoproteins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Flavoproteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • nifL protein, Bacteria
  • Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide
  • Flavin Mononucleotide